Some Republicans warn Trump's SAVE America Act is doomed to fail as Senate tees up a vote

Source: NBC News

March 13, 2026, 4:09 PM EDT


WASHINGTON — Sen. Mike Lee has been marshaling an online army to pressure fellow Republicans to pass the SAVE America Act, a sweeping bill to rewrite election laws across the country, which President Donald Trump has declared his “No. 1 priority.”

It is testing the relationship between Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., who is seeking to balance the demands of the president and passions of the GOP base with the unforgiving realities of the Senate.

“Next week I will be bringing the SAVE America Act to the floor, and we’ll be having a full and robust debate,” Thune said Thursday on the Senate floor. “I can’t guarantee an outcome on this legislation. I can guarantee you that we are going to put Democrats on the record, that they will be forced to defend their outrageous positions on these issues.”

Early next week, Thune plans to bring up the House-passed version, which was structured as a “message” to allow the Senate to begin debate with 51 votes. A GOP leadership aide said the Senate will engage in days of extended debate on the bill, giving senators ample chance to speak on it and force Democrats to defend their opposition, while considering amendments sought by Republicans. The process could extend into the following weekend and beyond, the aide added.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/republicans-warn-trumps-save-america-act-elections-fail-rcna263250